June 1, 2026

Saatva Deepens Longstanding Partnership with PENCIL to Expand Opportunities for NYC Students

Saatva proudly continues its longstanding partnership with PENCIL, a New York City nonprofit dedicated to connecting students with business leaders and career opportunities, as part of the company’s broader Professional Dreamer™ Initiative.

Since partnering with PENCIL in 2019, Saatva has engaged more than 750 New York City public school students through mentorship, career exploration, leadership development, and workplace learning opportunities. The company has also contributed more than $200,000 in support of PENCIL’s mission to help students prepare for successful futures.

This year marks an especially meaningful chapter in the partnership as PENCIL announced that Saatva Founder and CEO Ron Rudzin will be honored at its 2026 Celebration of Success Gala. Saatva will also serve as a Diamond Sponsor of the event, recognizing years of collaboration dedicated to expanding educational and professional opportunities for students across New York City.

“For years, Ron has demonstrated what it means to invest in the next generation through meaningful action and partnership,” PENCIL shared in its announcement recognizing Rudzin as a 2026 Gala Honoree. “Through mentorship, Principal for a Day, and career exposure opportunities, Ron and the Saatva team have helped hundreds of students expand their vision for what is possible.”

A cornerstone of the partnership is Saatva’s ongoing mentorship program with students from Flushing High School, Rudzin’s alma mater. Since 2018, members of the Saatva team have mentored students at New York City public high schools, including the past four years working directly with students from Flushing High School through PENCIL programming.

This spring, Saatva concluded its latest mentorship cohort after several weeks of virtual and in-person sessions focused on professional development, resume building, interview preparation, leadership skills, and career exploration. The program culminated at Saatva’s Flatiron Viewing Room, where students presented their learnings, received certificates of completion, and met with company leaders, including Rudzin.

“One principle has guided much of my life and career: tomorrow starts tonight,” said Rudzin. “Success begins with preparation, discipline, and putting in the work before anyone is watching. Through our partnership with PENCIL, we’re helping students build confidence, expand their horizons, and prepare for opportunities that may not yet seem possible. When young people are exposed to new experiences and mentors who believe in them, they begin to see a bigger future for themselves.”

Saatva team members also participate annually in PENCIL’s flagship Principal for a Day program, which pairs business leaders with New York City public school administrators for an immersive day of learning and collaboration. This year, six Saatva leaders participated across the city, including Rudzin, who visited EPIC North High School in Queens alongside his daughter, Paige Rudzin. Other participating team members included Mike Perez, Chanel Suran, Christina Henrique, and Caroline Johns.

The partnership continues to grow through workforce development opportunities as well. This summer, Saatva will welcome ten college students through PENCIL’s affiliation with New York City’s Ladders for Leaders program. As part of Saatva’s Leadership Accelerator initiative, interns will receive hands-on business experience, mentorship from senior leaders, and exposure to multiple areas of the company before presenting their work later this summer.

“At Saatva, we believe opportunity can change the trajectory of a person’s life,” said Rudzin. “PENCIL creates those opportunities every day by helping students connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. We are honored to support their mission and invest in the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators.”

The partnership reflects Saatva’s ongoing commitment to educational access, career readiness, and long-term community impact through its Professional Dreamer™ Initiative.